How the brain controls speech in 16p11.2 deletion syndrome
Phenotyping the neural basis of sensorimotor control of speech in 16p11.2 deletion syndrome
This project compares brain activity and speech movements during talking in people with 16p11.2 deletion, autistic people, and typically developing people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11262929 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you take part, researchers will enroll people with 16p11.2 deletions and compare them with autistic and typically developing participants from UCSF's Speech, Voice, and Communication (SVAC) project. They will measure speech abilities, how speech muscles and sensory feedback are used during talking, and the brain activity that supports speech sensorimotor control. The study is cross-sectional and will collect behavioral and neural data to map patterns of speech impairment. The aim is to identify distinct biological causes of speech problems that could point to different treatment or support approaches.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a confirmed 16p11.2 deletion—especially those with speech impairments—are the main candidates, with comparison groups of autistic individuals with speech impairment and typically developing volunteers.
Not a fit: People without speech difficulties, without a 16p11.2 deletion, or whose speech problems stem from non-neurological causes may not receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could clarify biological causes of speech problems and help guide more targeted therapies or supports for people with 16p11.2 deletion.
How similar studies have performed: Related brain-and-speech work in autism has produced useful insights, but applying these methods specifically to 16p11.2 deletion is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Demopoulos, Carly — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Demopoulos, Carly
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.